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Questions & Answers
(click on the question links below for the answers)
Question: What is Universal Design?
Answer:
Universal
design is the current terminology used to describe homes designed with
features that make those homes more user-friendly. Terms like accessible
design, handicapped design, ADA design were used in the past to describe
various concepts of today’s
Universal Design.
Today's Universal design concepts simply make sense for everyone by
providing an enhanced home living environment. The most important aspect
of Universal Design is that Universal Design does not have to be
unattractive or provided only for those with disabilities. Our included
Universal Design features make sense for everyone:
No-step entry:
a no-step path into the house through the garage.
One-story living:
Dining areas, bathrooms, and sleeping areas are all located on one
barrier-free level.
Wider doorways:
Doorways are 32-36 inches wide in order to allow wheelchairs pass
through. But not just wheelchairs! Wider doors also make it easier to
pass through the door with large items, furniture, or a hand full of
groceries!
Wider hallways:
Hallway widths of 36-42 inches, allowing easy passage of people and
things.
Extra floor space:
in the kitchen and bathroom. You spend a great amount of time in these
rooms, why be cramped?
Blocking in bathroom walls:
to allow for easy installation of optional or future grab-rails. Why not
have the blocking installed at the construction phase…install the
handrails later!
Lever door handles:
and rocker light switches. These are great for people with poor hand
strength, and they are astatically pleasing.
Good Lighting: outstanding lighting in walk-in
closets, bathrooms, and common areas is critical to everyone’s
enjoyment and just simply looks good.
For more in-depth information on Universal Design, visit:
http://universaldesign.com/newsletters.php?newsletter_id=61
http://www.aarp.org/families/home_design/a2004-03-23-whatis_univdesign.html
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